Igros Kodesh (The Rebbe): Difference between revisions

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[[File:אגרות קודש אדש.jpg|thumb]]

"Igros Kodesh" is the name of dozens of volumes (as of 5785/2025, 38 volumes have been published) containing over ten thousand letters from [[the Rebbe]] to individuals and communities. This series began to be published under the Rebbe's instruction, who requested to collect the written responses he gave to questions addressed to him by Jews from all corners of the world, on topics covering all aspects of human life, and to publish them in organized books.

'''Igros Kodesh''' is the name of dozens of volumes (as of 5785/2025, 39 volumes have been published) containing over ten thousand letters from [[the Rebbe]] to individuals and communities. This series began to be published under the Rebbe's instruction, who requested to collect the written responses he gave to questions addressed to him by Jews from all corners of the world, on topics covering all aspects of human life, and to publish them in organized books.

The letters include advice and guidance in divine service, explanations in [[Kabbalah]], [[Toras HaChassidus|Chassidus]] and revealed Torah, specific advice on various and diverse topics (health, happiness, shalom bayis, and more).

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== Editing of the Igros ==

A large portion of the letters were initially printed as an addition to the series "Likkutei Sichos" - when the content of the letters matched the content of the parshios in that volume. In 5747/1987, when no more letters could be found that could be printed as additions to "Likkutei Sichos," members of the 'Vaad Lehafatzas Sichos' approached the Rebbe with a question, whether they could receive additional letters from the secretariat that could be printed (as the Rebbe had instructed in similar cases before, in the publication of volumes 12-13 and in 5743/1983). The Rebbe's instruction was again to collect letters from the secretariat, but when they came to request the Rebbe's permission to print the volume, the Rebbe instructed to print the letters in a separate book - Igros Kodesh. The letters printed in the volumes of "Igros Kodesh" that have appeared (as of 5784/2024) include letters written until 5745/1985 (while the letters in 'Likkutei Sichos' reach even the year 5752/1992).

A large portion of the letters were initially printed as an addition to the series "[[Likkutei Sichos]]" - when the content of the letters matched the content of the parshios in that volume. In 5747/1987, when no more letters could be found that could be printed as additions to "Likkutei Sichos," members of the '[[Vaad L'Hafotzas Sichos|Vaad Lehafatzas Sichos]]' approached the Rebbe with a question, whether they could receive additional letters from the secretariat that could be printed (as the Rebbe had instructed in similar cases before, in the publication of volumes 12-13 and in 5743/1983). The Rebbe's instruction was again to collect letters from the secretariat, but when they came to request the Rebbe's permission to print the volume, the Rebbe instructed to print the letters in a separate book - Igros Kodesh. The letters printed in the volumes of "Igros Kodesh" that have appeared (as of 5784/2024) include letters written until 5745/1985 (while the letters in 'Likkutei Sichos' reach even the year 5752/1992).

Most of the letters published in the series are from copies in the secretariat's archive, which was entrusted to Rabbi Shalom Mendel Simpson. A significant contribution was received from the collection of the Vaad Lehafatzas Sichos (which they also received from Rabbi Simpson to add to the volumes of Likkutei Sichos), and additionally, letters were also received from private individuals.

Most of the letters published in the series are from copies in the secretariat's archive, which was entrusted to [[Shalom Menachem Mendel Simpson|Rabbi Shalom Mendel Simpson]]. A significant contribution was received from the collection of the Vaad Lehafatzas Sichos (which they also received from Rabbi Simpson to add to the volumes of Likkutei Sichos), and additionally, letters were also received from private individuals.

The letters in the volumes of Igros Kodesh are arranged chronologically, according to the date they were written, except for volume 21 in which supplements were added. In some letters, explanatory notes were written in the margins, mostly related to identifying the recipient by the editors. Also, according to the Rebbe's instructions, before transferring them to the series editor, Rabbi Simpson would omit sections that might violate privacy or are not suitable for publication, etc. In additional cases, the editor omitted these parts.

The editing of the series and its publication began in 5747/1987 by the Otzar Hachassidim editorial board. Initially, the editing was managed by Rabbi Shalom Ber Levin, who edited volumes 1-21, and in winter 5754/1994, he transferred the editing to Rabbi Shalom Yaakov Chazan, who had assisted in editing previously, and began to edit volumes 22 and onwards as part of the Otzar Hachassidim editorial board.

The editing of the series and its publication began in 5747/1987 by [[Otzar HaChassidim|the Otzar Hachassidim]] editorial board. Initially, the editing was managed by Rabbi Shalom Ber Levin, who edited volumes 1-21, and in winter 5754/1994, he transferred the editing to Rabbi Shalom Yaakov Chazan, who had assisted in editing previously, and began to edit volumes 22 and onwards as part of the Otzar Hachassidim editorial board.

At the beginning of several volumes, an introduction was prepared by one of the editors, including a comprehensive overview of the content of the letters in the volume and the historical events behind them.

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At the end of the introduction to volume 12, the publisher wrote:

From the time the Alter Rebbe took upon himself the leadership of Chabad Chassidus, a system of private audiences (yechidus) began, where chassidim would receive instructions and guidance from the Rebbe. When the number of chassidim grew and it became impossible to receive everyone for yechidus, the Liozna regulations were issued, limiting travel to the Alter Rebbe. After several years, the Tanya was published, and in the introduction the Alter Rebbe wrote that this book includes:

From the time [[the Alter Rebbe]] took upon himself the leadership of Chabad Chassidus, a system of private audiences (yechidus) began, where chassidim would receive instructions and guidance from the Rebbe. When the number of chassidim grew and it became impossible to receive everyone for yechidus, the Liozna regulations were issued, limiting travel to the Alter Rebbe. After several years, [[Tanya|the Tanya]] was published, and in the introduction the Alter Rebbe wrote that this book includes:

"Answers to many questions which all our loyal followers in our country constantly ask for advice... and there is no longer time to respond to each person regarding his question in detail, and forgetfulness is also common, therefore I have recorded all the answers to all the questions."

Similarly, one can say regarding the printing of these letters: For many years, the Rebbe received thousands of people for yechidus, and simultaneously wrote many letters to all corners of the world. Both in yechidus and in letters, answers were given in all areas of life. And now, in recent years when the number of chassidim has grown, and it is no longer possible to continue with the system of 'yechidus', we merit the printing of volumes of Igros Kodesh, through which we will know the Rebbe's opinion on every matter.

~~One of the volumes of Igros Kodesh~~

The Alter Rebbe continues in his introduction to Tanya: "And whoever's understanding is insufficient to comprehend advice from these booklets should express his concerns to the elders in his city, and they will explain it to him." Similarly, one can say today that those who "make for yourself a Rav" will give their answers based on the Rebbe's words that have been published in the 'Igros Kodesh' series.

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* Volume 37 - Letters from 5745 (1985), published in 5784 (2024).

* Volume 38 - Letters from 5746 (1986), published on 19 Kislev 5785 (2024).

* Volume 39 - Letters from 5747 (1987), published on 25 Adar 5785 (2024).

== Special Expressions of the Rebbe ==

After several volumes of "Igrot Kodesh" ~~(Holy Letters)~~ were printed, when the secretary Rabbi Shalom Mendel Simpson presented the Rebbe with a collection of letters he had taken from the archive to send to print, the Rebbe turned to him and asked: "Oib m'kocht zich in di igrot?" [= Are people passionately engaged in studying the letters?] R' Shalom Mendel answered that he heard from his son, who was studying at the yeshiva in Morristown at that time, that the bochurim (students) there had established a regular study schedule of 'Igrot Kodesh'. The Rebbe said to me: "Bochurim? Bochurim farshtei ich! Ober vos tut zich mit yungeleit?" [= Bochurim, I understand! But what's happening with the married men?]

After several volumes of "Igrot Kodesh" were printed, when the secretary Rabbi Shalom Mendel Simpson presented the Rebbe with a collection of letters he had taken from the archive to send to print, the Rebbe turned to him and asked: "Oib m'kocht zich in di igrot?" [= Are people passionately engaged in studying the letters?] R' Shalom Mendel answered that he heard from his son, who was studying at the yeshiva in Morristown at that time, that the bochurim (students) there had established a regular study schedule of 'Igrot Kodesh'. The Rebbe said to me: "Bochurim? Bochurim farshtei ich! Ober vos tut zich mit yungeleit?" [= Bochurim, I understand! But what's happening with the married men?]

When the tenth volume of Igrot Kodesh was published, the Rebbe inquired why no celebration was being held, and on that occasion, a large event was arranged to mark the publication of the volume.

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The first series is called "Letters of the Rebbe," published by Otzar Sifrei Lubavitch and includes eight volumes (as of 5783/2023). This series only prints letters that were received from the addressees and are known with certainty to have been sent after proofreading and signing. Volume 2 has been translated into Hebrew.

The second series is called "The Letter & The Spirit," which includes five volumes (as of 5781/2021). The first volume was edited by the Rebbe's secretary, Rabbi Nissan Mindel, and published by Kehot Publication Society. The additional four volumes were edited by his daughter Mrs. Freida and her husband Rabbi Shalom Dovber Shapiro and published under their direction. These letters were collected from the first drafts preserved by Rabbi Nissan Mindel and were not proofread by the Rebbe.

The second series is called "The Letter & The Spirit," which includes five volumes (as of 5781/2021). The first volume was edited by the Rebbe's secretary, [[Rabbi Nissan Mindel]], and published by [[Kehos|Kehot Publication Society]]. The additional four volumes were edited by his daughter Mrs. Freida and her husband Rabbi Shalom Dovber Shapiro and published under their direction. These letters were collected from the first drafts preserved by Rabbi Nissan Mindel and were not proofread by the Rebbe.

In addition, the Rebbe's secretary Rabbi Shalom Mendel Simpson, together with his son Rabbi Avraham, worked for several years on sorting and arranging the Rebbe's English letters from the secretariat archives to publish them in a series of books, but this series has not yet been realized.

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[[Category:Sifrei Chassidus]]

[[he:אגרות קודש (הרבי)]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[File:אגרות קודש אדש.jpg|thumb]]
-"Igros Kodesh" is the name of dozens of volumes (as of 5785/2025, 38 volumes have been published) containing over ten thousand letters from [[the Rebbe]] to individuals and communities. This series began to be published under the Rebbe's instruction, who requested to collect the written responses he gave to questions addressed to him by Jews from all corners of the world, on topics covering all aspects of human life, and to publish them in organized books.
+'''Igros Kodesh''' is the name of dozens of volumes (as of 5785/2025, 39 volumes have been published) containing over ten thousand letters from [[the Rebbe]] to individuals and communities. This series began to be published under the Rebbe's instruction, who requested to collect the written responses he gave to questions addressed to him by Jews from all corners of the world, on topics covering all aspects of human life, and to publish them in organized books.
 The letters include advice and guidance in divine service, explanations in [[Kabbalah]], [[Toras HaChassidus|Chassidus]] and revealed Torah, specific advice on various and diverse topics (health, happiness, shalom bayis, and more).
@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 == Editing of the Igros ==
-A large portion of the letters were initially printed as an addition to the series "Likkutei Sichos" - when the content of the letters matched the content of the parshios in that volume. In 5747/1987, when no more letters could be found that could be printed as additions to "Likkutei Sichos," members of the 'Vaad Lehafatzas Sichos' approached the Rebbe with a question, whether they could receive additional letters from the secretariat that could be printed (as the Rebbe had instructed in similar cases before, in the publication of volumes 12-13 and in 5743/1983). The Rebbe's instruction was again to collect letters from the secretariat, but when they came to request the Rebbe's permission to print the volume, the Rebbe instructed to print the letters in a separate book - Igros Kodesh. The letters printed in the volumes of "Igros Kodesh" that have appeared (as of 5784/2024) include letters written until 5745/1985 (while the letters in 'Likkutei Sichos' reach even the year 5752/1992).
+A large portion of the letters were initially printed as an addition to the series "[[Likkutei Sichos]]" - when the content of the letters matched the content of the parshios in that volume. In 5747/1987, when no more letters could be found that could be printed as additions to "Likkutei Sichos," members of the '[[Vaad L'Hafotzas Sichos|Vaad Lehafatzas Sichos]]' approached the Rebbe with a question, whether they could receive additional letters from the secretariat that could be printed (as the Rebbe had instructed in similar cases before, in the publication of volumes 12-13 and in 5743/1983). The Rebbe's instruction was again to collect letters from the secretariat, but when they came to request the Rebbe's permission to print the volume, the Rebbe instructed to print the letters in a separate book - Igros Kodesh. The letters printed in the volumes of "Igros Kodesh" that have appeared (as of 5784/2024) include letters written until 5745/1985 (while the letters in 'Likkutei Sichos' reach even the year 5752/1992).
-Most of the letters published in the series are from copies in the secretariat's archive, which was entrusted to Rabbi Shalom Mendel Simpson. A significant contribution was received from the collection of the Vaad Lehafatzas Sichos (which they also received from Rabbi Simpson to add to the volumes of Likkutei Sichos), and additionally, letters were also received from private individuals.
+Most of the letters published in the series are from copies in the secretariat's archive, which was entrusted to [[Shalom Menachem Mendel Simpson|Rabbi Shalom Mendel Simpson]]. A significant contribution was received from the collection of the Vaad Lehafatzas Sichos (which they also received from Rabbi Simpson to add to the volumes of Likkutei Sichos), and additionally, letters were also received from private individuals.
 The letters in the volumes of Igros Kodesh are arranged chronologically, according to the date they were written, except for volume 21 in which supplements were added. In some letters, explanatory notes were written in the margins, mostly related to identifying the recipient by the editors. Also, according to the Rebbe's instructions, before transferring them to the series editor, Rabbi Simpson would omit sections that might violate privacy or are not suitable for publication, etc. In additional cases, the editor omitted these parts.
-The editing of the series and its publication began in 5747/1987 by the Otzar Hachassidim editorial board. Initially, the editing was managed by Rabbi Shalom Ber Levin, who edited volumes 1-21, and in winter 5754/1994, he transferred the editing to Rabbi Shalom Yaakov Chazan, who had assisted in editing previously, and began to edit volumes 22 and onwards as part of the Otzar Hachassidim editorial board.
+The editing of the series and its publication began in 5747/1987 by [[Otzar HaChassidim|the Otzar Hachassidim]] editorial board. Initially, the editing was managed by Rabbi Shalom Ber Levin, who edited volumes 1-21, and in winter 5754/1994, he transferred the editing to Rabbi Shalom Yaakov Chazan, who had assisted in editing previously, and began to edit volumes 22 and onwards as part of the Otzar Hachassidim editorial board.
 At the beginning of several volumes, an introduction was prepared by one of the editors, including a comprehensive overview of the content of the letters in the volume and the historical events behind them.
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 At the end of the introduction to volume 12, the publisher wrote:
-From the time the Alter Rebbe took upon himself the leadership of Chabad Chassidus, a system of private audiences (yechidus) began, where chassidim would receive instructions and guidance from the Rebbe. When the number of chassidim grew and it became impossible to receive everyone for yechidus, the Liozna regulations were issued, limiting travel to the Alter Rebbe. After several years, the Tanya was published, and in the introduction the Alter Rebbe wrote that this book includes:
+From the time [[the Alter Rebbe]] took upon himself the leadership of Chabad Chassidus, a system of private audiences (yechidus) began, where chassidim would receive instructions and guidance from the Rebbe. When the number of chassidim grew and it became impossible to receive everyone for yechidus, the Liozna regulations were issued, limiting travel to the Alter Rebbe. After several years, [[Tanya|the Tanya]] was published, and in the introduction the Alter Rebbe wrote that this book includes:
 "Answers to many questions which all our loyal followers in our country constantly ask for advice... and there is no longer time to respond to each person regarding his question in detail, and forgetfulness is also common, therefore I have recorded all the answers to all the questions."
 Similarly, one can say regarding the printing of these letters: For many years, the Rebbe received thousands of people for yechidus, and simultaneously wrote many letters to all corners of the world. Both in yechidus and in letters, answers were given in all areas of life. And now, in recent years when the number of chassidim has grown, and it is no longer possible to continue with the system of 'yechidus', we merit the printing of volumes of Igros Kodesh, through which we will know the Rebbe's opinion on every matter.
-One of the volumes of Igros Kodesh
 The Alter Rebbe continues in his introduction to Tanya: "And whoever's understanding is insufficient to comprehend advice from these booklets should express his concerns to the elders in his city, and they will explain it to him." Similarly, one can say today that those who "make for yourself a Rav" will give their answers based on the Rebbe's words that have been published in the 'Igros Kodesh' series.
@@ Line 65: / Line 63: @@
 * Volume 37 - Letters from 5745 (1985), published in 5784 (2024).
 * Volume 38 - Letters from 5746 (1986), published on 19 Kislev 5785 (2024).
+* Volume 39 - Letters from 5747 (1987), published on 25 Adar 5785 (2024).
 == Special Expressions of the Rebbe ==
-After several volumes of "Igrot Kodesh" (Holy Letters) were printed, when the secretary Rabbi Shalom Mendel Simpson presented the Rebbe with a collection of letters he had taken from the archive to send to print, the Rebbe turned to him and asked: "Oib m'kocht zich in di igrot?" [= Are people passionately engaged in studying the letters?] R' Shalom Mendel answered that he heard from his son, who was studying at the yeshiva in Morristown at that time, that the bochurim (students) there had established a regular study schedule of 'Igrot Kodesh'. The Rebbe said to me: "Bochurim? Bochurim farshtei ich! Ober vos tut zich mit yungeleit?" [= Bochurim, I understand! But what's happening with the married men?]
+After several volumes of "Igrot Kodesh" were printed, when the secretary Rabbi Shalom Mendel Simpson presented the Rebbe with a collection of letters he had taken from the archive to send to print, the Rebbe turned to him and asked: "Oib m'kocht zich in di igrot?" [= Are people passionately engaged in studying the letters?] R' Shalom Mendel answered that he heard from his son, who was studying at the yeshiva in Morristown at that time, that the bochurim (students) there had established a regular study schedule of 'Igrot Kodesh'. The Rebbe said to me: "Bochurim? Bochurim farshtei ich! Ober vos tut zich mit yungeleit?" [= Bochurim, I understand! But what's happening with the married men?]
 When the tenth volume of Igrot Kodesh was published, the Rebbe inquired why no celebration was being held, and on that occasion, a large event was arranged to mark the publication of the volume.
@@ Line 122: / Line 121: @@
 The first series is called "Letters of the Rebbe," published by Otzar Sifrei Lubavitch and includes eight volumes (as of 5783/2023). This series only prints letters that were received from the addressees and are known with certainty to have been sent after proofreading and signing. Volume 2 has been translated into Hebrew.
-The second series is called "The Letter & The Spirit," which includes five volumes (as of 5781/2021). The first volume was edited by the Rebbe's secretary, Rabbi Nissan Mindel, and published by Kehot Publication Society. The additional four volumes were edited by his daughter Mrs. Freida and her husband Rabbi Shalom Dovber Shapiro and published under their direction. These letters were collected from the first drafts preserved by Rabbi Nissan Mindel and were not proofread by the Rebbe.
+The second series is called "The Letter & The Spirit," which includes five volumes (as of 5781/2021). The first volume was edited by the Rebbe's secretary, [[Rabbi Nissan Mindel]], and published by [[Kehos|Kehot Publication Society]]. The additional four volumes were edited by his daughter Mrs. Freida and her husband Rabbi Shalom Dovber Shapiro and published under their direction. These letters were collected from the first drafts preserved by Rabbi Nissan Mindel and were not proofread by the Rebbe.
 In addition, the Rebbe's secretary Rabbi Shalom Mendel Simpson, together with his son Rabbi Avraham, worked for several years on sorting and arranging the Rebbe's English letters from the secretariat archives to publish them in a series of books, but this series has not yet been realized.
@@ Line 177: / Line 176: @@
 [[Category:Sifrei Chassidus]]
+[[he:אגרות קודש (הרבי)]]